The Goochland Gazette – 06/14/2023

INSIDE: For local farmers, sweet vernal grass a challenge. SEE PAGE 3

Volume 67, No. 23 • Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Here's the scoop: Six sweet ways to enjoy one of summer's best desserts. See Page 4

Food drive surpasses expectations

COMMUNITY REPORT

In April and May of this year, Goochland residents participated in the GoochlandCares Annual Community Food Drive to help stock the organization’s Food Pantry. Thanks to the response of the community, organizers exceeded their goal of 35,000 lbs, ultimately collecting a whopping 43,036 lbs.

“Our shelves are full for the first time in months,” said Doug Chiles, GoochlandCares food pantry manager.

WITH YEAR ALMOST DONE, A FULL DAY OF FUN

Goochland Elementary School held its annual field day last week, offering students, teachers and parents the opportunity to enjoy a host of activities and celebrate the end of another successful school year.

County part of new area brew trail

COMMUNITY REPORT

Goochland is part of a new wine, beer and cider trail that is encouraging exploration of four partnering Virginia localities this summer. Having kicked off May 15 and running through Sept. 3, the Red, White & Brew Central Virginia Pour Tour urges trail-goers to discover the beverages, scenery, and special events of locations in

Goochland, Spotsylvania, Louisa and Gordonsville.

“Red, White & Brew isn’t just for those who live outside the area,” said Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director James Smith. “It’s a great opportunity for residents of these communities to explore what’s available within a short driving distance.”

Travelers will find trail details in the Experience tab of the Visit Louisa mobile app and may select from 27 locations (including two distilleries) to plan their route. Each stop will provide an onsite check-in code for visitors to enter into the Visit Louisa app. Participants will earn commemorative tumblers and shirts as they complete various levels along the trail.

“We are excited to forge a new partnership with localities in Central Virginia to expand promotion of our craft beverage makers,” said Goochland County Economic Development Director Sara Worley.

“This is a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and welcome new visitors as they Explore

The increased supply will address the recent rise in the number of county residents experiencing food insecurity. The Food Pantry has seen a 30 percent increase in clients needing food since this time last year, and the number of clients needing food continues to grow.

“We are grateful for all the generous people who so enthusiastically responded and participated in this effort,” said Chiles.

Volunteer Neighborhood Captains greatly contributed to the food drive’s success. Grocery bags with lists of needed items were handed out in multiple county neighborhoods. Then on a specified day the full bags were collected by Neighborhood Captains and delivered to the Food Pantry. “The neighborhoods where we delivered

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS

Kids to stage theater production

Goochland KidMutiny Theatre will present “That’s So Goochland!”— a play written and directed by Bryce NeilsonHall and Elena Konikoff — June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m. at the Eagle Theatre at Central High Cultural and Educational Complex, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland. Tickets are $8 for children under 12 and seniors, $12 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased in

advance online or at the door. Concessions will be available, and a silent auction featuring items from Goochland businesses will be held during the run of the show. Goochland Community Theatre is a 501c3 nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. Goochland Community Theatre greatly appreciates the support of the local community! For more information visit gvatheatre. org.

Deadline approaching for Farm Bureau grants

With American youth further removed from the farm than ever before, educating the next generation about the importance of agriculture is no small feat.

To help facilitate students’ learning about the sources of their food and fiber, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is offering White-Reinhardt Grants for the 2023-2024 school year. The organization is currently accepting applications for 10 $1,000 grants for educational

projects in grades K-12 that create new agriculture literacy programs or expand existing efforts. Applications are due June 16.

County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for grants, and interested organizations and schools can work with their local county and state Farm Bureaus to apply. Grants are available on a competitive basis, and payments will be allocated to a state or county Farm Bureau to be used for the projects.

The grants are funded through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education—

a project of the AFBFA in cooperation with the AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee.

“These grants give communities opportunities to seek new and innovative activities to educate everyone about agriculture,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s executive director. “Farm Bureaus partner with schools and community groups to provide a variety of tools for children to learn about the many aspects of agriculture and how it’s vital to our daily lives.”

Goochland Sheriff’s Office now part of regional effort

The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) last week announced the creation of the Regional Sheriffs Emergency Response Team (RSERT). In a collaborative effort to increase public safety response, the Sheriff’s Offices of Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland,

Trail

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Goochland and our partners in the Central Virginia region.”

Red, White & Brew patrons are encouraged to join the discussion on Facebook.

List of participating locations:

„ Midnight Brewery (Goochland)

„ Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — West Creek (Goochland)

„ Kindred Spirit Brewing (Goochland)

„ Hill Top Distillery (Goochland)

„ Courthouse Creek Cider/Senary Farms LLC

Louisa, and Powhatan have established the multi-agency team. Through a Memorandum of Agreement, each Sheriff has committed several deputies from each agency to be a part of the team. The RSERT is organized with deputies from each agency that can be requested to

respond to a multitude of large-scale operations in any of the RSERT counties, such as natural disasters, civil disturbances, search and rescue, and more. In the event that any large incident occurs, this team will be called in to supplement the agency’s law enforcement response.

(Goochland)

„ Grayhaven Winery (Goochland)

„ Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company (Louisa)

„ Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard (Louisa)

„ Coyote Hole Ciderworks (Louisa)

„ A. Smith Bowman Distillery (Spotsylvania)

„ Bacchus Winery (Spotsylvania)

„ Cider Lab (Spotsylvania)

„ Eden Try Estate & Winery (Spotsylvania)

„ Lake Anna Winery (Spotsylvania)

„ Log Home Brewing Company (Spotsylvania)

„ Maltese Brewing (Spotsylvania)

„ Mattaponi Winery (Spotsylvania)

„ Wilderness Run Vineyards/1781 Brewing Co. (Spotsylvania)

„ Lake Anna Taphouse (Louisa)

„ Cooling Pond Brewery (Louisa)

„ Well Hung Vineyard (Gordonsville)

„ Champion Ice House (Gordonsville)

„ Southern Revere Vineyard & Farm (Louisa)

„ Rassawek Vineyards (Goochland)

„ Elk Island Winery (Goochland)

„ Byrd Cellars (Goochland)

„ Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery (Goochland)

For local farmers, sweet vernal grass a challenge

COMMUNITY REPORT

Sweet vernal grass has its seed heads up, making itself conspicuous, and at the Extension Office we’ve received a couple of inquiries about managing it. As with many weeds, it is most recognizable when it has started to flower, but by then there are few management options.

Sweet vernal grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum, gets both its common and its species name from the pleasant smell it produces when crushed or cut. It is native to Eurasia, and was likely introduced to sweeten the smell of hay, making it more marketable. Unfortunately, sweet vernal grass does very little else for hay quality. It is not palatable to livestock and, under certain conditions, it can produce the toxin dicoumarol. Dicoumarol itself is a byproduct of the very same compounds that produce sweet vernal grass’ pleasant scent. Ensuring hay is properly dried before baling is one way to reduce the formation of dicoumarol.

LEGAL NOTICE

In cases where livestock deaths were associated with feeding sweet vernal grass, the sweet vernal grass often comprised 80 to 90% of the hay. A small amount of sweet vernal grass in hay is not necessarily a problem as long as cattle are not forced to clean it up. Animals will eat around it. Certainly if sweet vernal grass is that prevalent in a stand, the producer should consider killing the entire pasture and reseeding. Sweet vernal grass is a cool-season species, so a fall burn-down followed by a spring seeding will make the most sense in many cases. Tillage–provided that the field has not been tilled frequently in the past–can help bury sweet vernal grass seed to prevent future germination. Rotation to a crop like alfalfa or corn silage where there are more weed control options can also help draw down weed populations.

For producers with some sweet vernal grass, there are no silver bullets. Once introduced, it can be a very

drought-tolerant grass and competes very well with desirable forage grasses on acidic or nutrient-poor soils. Producers should pull soil tests and lime and fertilize accordingly. Areas with sweet vernal grass should be cut last while the seed heads are on the plant, or equipment should be cleaned with an air compressor or shop vac before moving onto an uninfested field. Small areas can be spot-sprayed, but chemicals that kill sweet vernal grass will also kill desirable forage species. Sweet vernal grass is a perennial, but a weak perennial, and in Virginia it has been observed to behave more like an annual. Controlling seed production by repeated mowing may help reduce pressure over time, but it also may not be feasible in many cases. Ultimately, prevention is key. Scout your fields, keep an eye on your soil test results, and use best haying and grazing management practices.

—Submitted by the Goochland County Extension Office

native to eurasia, sweet vernal grass was likely introduced to sweeten the smell of hay, making it more marketable. unfortunately, it does little else for hay quality.

Six innovative ways to indulge in ice cream

Ice cream is a popular dessert that’s enjoyed across the globe. Blending the cold and the creamy, ice cream is an ideal treat on a hot day. According to IceCream.com, 87 percent of Americans have ice cream in their freezer at any given time. While Americans may enjoy their ice cream, New Zealand consumes more ice cream than any country in the world.

Historians and foodies believe Ancient Greeks enjoyed a dessert similar to ice cream as early as the 5th century B.C. Considering ice cream has been

around so long, and that many cultures have created their own take on frozen treats, from gelato to sorbet to frozen yogurts, one may think there aren’t many new ways to indulge in this beloved dessert. But with a little creativity, anyone can come up with innovative ways to serve ice cream or any of its frozen cousins. The following are just a few different recipe inspirations.

1. Lightly butter flour tortillas and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar. Drape the tortillas over the rungs of the shelves in an oven, placing a cookie sheet

underneath to catch any drips. Bake at 300 F until just crisp. Fill with your favorite ice cream for some frozen dessert tacos.

2. Create your own ice cream sandwiches from any firm cookies or dessert bars you have on hand. For example, cut two thin slices of fudge brownies. Spread softened ice cream in a complementary flavor, such as peanut butter or black cherry vanilla, in between the brownie sandwich pieces. Freeze to firm everything up and make it easier to eat.

3. Fried ice cream pairs the seemingly incompatible frozen

dessert with heat. Freeze scoops of ice cream until they are solid, dip them in an egg wash and coat with crushed cookie crumbs. You can then refreeze the finished ice cream balls and have them set to fry in time for dessert.

4. Ice cream and frozen waffles make a quick dessert in a pinch. Raid the freezer for the ingredients, toast the waffles and then sandwich with ice cream. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream, if desired.

5. Spoon your favorite cookie dough into a muffin tin and mold the dough so it lines the

individual cups of the tin. Bake until firm and let cool. Use the cookie cups to make little ice cream sundae holders for parties. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for kids.

6. Whip up your own ice cream cake. Place a thin layer of any flavor cake on the bottom of a dish or pan that can be placed into the freezer. Scoop softened ice cream on top, then continue to layer as desired, finishing with ice cream as the final layer. Let freeze several hours until firmed up, then enjoy. —MetroCreative

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and collected grocery bags of food were very responsive and generous,” said Heidi Hall, a GoochlandCares volunteer.

Neighborhoods were not the only participants in the Food Drive. Churches, businesses, and civic organizations also actively collected food and made generous contributions to help stock the Food Pantry. A notable example was the Goochland Rotary. Members organized food drives at both Goochland Food Lions. Their dedicated efforts alone led to the collection of an impressive 2413 pounds of food.

To effectively manage

Kitchens/Baths

Patios/Decks

New Construction

Doors/Windows

Sidewalks/Pavers

Remodels/Additions

the influx of donations, more volunteers assisted in sorting, carrying, and shelving the donated goods in the Food Pantry. Chiles emphasized the indispensable role played by these volunteers, describing them as the heart and soul of the Food Pantry.

In addition to the food, over $30,000 was donated, which was an alltime high. Between the food donations and the funds raised, the Food Pantry can continue to feed more families in need of food and household goods.

Those wishing to get involved may contact Dominic Alexander at (804) 556-0400 or dalexander@GoochlandCares. org

Contributing Writer

Looking for a delicious, unique and affordable summer snack? Look no further than your front yard! The wild grapes are here and they’re plentiful. What a better dish to prepare than dolmades or stuffed grape leaves? These leaves are here for the taking.

Several species of wild grapes are native to Virginia. The leaves are generally oval in shape and taper to a point. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. Tendrils that help the vines climb are forked and arise from the stems opposite from the leaves. Although aggressive, wild grape shouldn’t be confused with porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), an invasive species. The leaves are very similar so it’s easiest to tell the difference between native grape and porcelain-berry by the flower and fruit clusters. Porcelain-berries ripen in shades of lavender, blue and magenta. Wild grapes are dark purple when mature. In porcelain-berry the berry clusters are held upright, while in grapes the clusters hang downwards. The porcelain-berry has a tight bark, while the grapevine has a bark that sheds in lengthwise strips.

vines choking out your native landscaping...try eating some!

Below is an easy meat-free recipe using seasonal herbs such as sorrel, lemon basil and mint. Of course, the star of the show is our native grape vine. For the best results, select tender medium size leaves. Avoid the tougher, older leaves and leaves with insect holes.

Easy meatless recipe for dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)

Ingredients

„ 40 fresh vine leaves

„ 4 tbsp olive oil for drizzling

„ Lemon wedges or a tangy seasonal substitute such as sorrel, lemon thyme or lemon basil

„ Mint sprigs

„ Vegetable or chicken stock (if not homemade use store-brand low sodium)

„ For stuffing

„ ¾ cup long grain rice

„ 1 medium onion finely chopped

„ ¼ cup pine nuts or chopped pecans

„ ¼ cup seedless raisins

„ 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves

„ 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

from the vine leaves. Blanch the leaves in a large pan of boiling salted water until the leaves just begin to change color. This should take no longer than one or two minutes. Immerse in cold water.

Open the vine leaves, rib side up. Place a heaping tablespoon of the stuffing on each leaf. Positioning the stuffing in the middle of the leaf rather than at the base or stem helps.

First fold over the two outer edges to prevent the stuffing from falling out. Then roll up the vine leaf from the stem end to form a neat envelope or packet.

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees after cooking the rice, combine it with the onion, pine nuts, raisins, parsley, chopped mint, and pepper. add salt if desired. using the previous stuffing instructions, take care not to overfill or roll the vine leaves too tightly. Repeat making about 40 packets.

Greg Blanchard 804-457-9426

20 Years Carpentr yExperience

VA Lic. 27505- 093745-A

20 Years Carpentr y Experience Blanchard & Associates Residential Contractor, Inc.

Greg Blanchard 804-457-9426 VA Lic. 27505-093745-A

Wild grapes provide nutritious food for birds and other animals. They also provide food for humans! So…..while pulling out the excessive native grape

„ ½ tsp ground black pepper

„ salt

How to Prepare Fresh Vine Leaves using a sharp knife, remove the stems

Lay the stuffed vine leaves, seam side down, in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan. Pack snugly but not tightly. Pour stock over dolmades. Place mint sprigs and lemon wedges or lemony herbs on top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. I prefer to cover my dish for half that time to prevent excessive drying.

When finished, drizzle with olive oil if desired. serve warm or cold with fresh lemon wedges or pesto.

VIRGINIA MCCOWN

Stuffed wild grape leaves a simple summer snack

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OPINION

Lost Colony mystery still intrigues visitors

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

The Outer Banks has become home away from home for many Virginians, especially during the summer vacation season. Locals choose the pristine beaches, pirate culture and endless supply of things to do as the perfect vacation spot, and many return annually to enjoy the splendor of its natural beauty.

Some of us are lucky enough to have spent a lifetime of visits to the beaches of North Carolina and have grown up with mythical tales of lost colonies and hapless mariners

who experienced heartbreak off the treacherous shoals that parallel the tiny stretch of land.

Of all the legends and tall tales, one remains paramount in the minds of many who frequent the area: What happened to a tiny band of English settlers who landed on Roanoke Island in 1587, and vanished less than two years later?

The mystery of what happened to these 115 men, women and infants has intrigued historians for centuries. Their plight was immortalized in Paul Green’s production of “The Lost Colony,”

an outdoor production performed since 1937 on the very spot the colonists landed.

As a young child, I sat in that amphitheater in total silence as the play ended. The only sound came from the waves as they gently splashed against the shore as an audience pondered what could have happened to these poor souls.

It made an impression on me and provided me a lifetime interest in the colony and what might have occurred.

The single clue left behind by presumably the colonists was an etching on a tree trunk containing

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

the word “Croatoan.” For years, that provided historians with the best evidence for a solution, and popular theories surmised the group had picked up and moved the 50 miles south to Hatteras Island, then known as Croatoan. English investigators visited the island in the 19th century and concluded the settlers had intermarried with Indian tribes in the area.

Over the years, other theories have emerged. Perhaps, the settlers, desperate for supplies, had packed up and headed back

Making friends after 50 can prove challenging

The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they’re balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits.

Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends.

People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it’s not always so easy to make new friends, even though it’s undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A 2017 study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family. Those results align with an earlier Australian study that found Australians age 70

or older tended to live significantly longer if they had more strong friendships.

Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during your school days, but these strategies can help men and women in midlife build new friendships.

„ Identify your interests. Fiftysomethings who have spent the last couple of decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests

office and Mailing address: 8460 Times-dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va 23116

Phone – (804) 746-1235

Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 online: www.goochlandgazette.com

Publisher Joy Monopoli ......................................... jmonopoli@RSnVa.com

Editor Roslyn Ryan rryan@goochlandgazette.com

Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

Classifieds cindy adams cadams@mechlocal.com

Production Manager denine d’angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Caudill remains best choice for Goochland CA

Dear Editor, I want to share that any time I have met Sheriff Creasey or needed a deputy because of a fire in my home or alarm going off I have been met with caring employees.

I would like to take a section from the Vaprosecutors.org site because I feel we are missing the point in this community.

criminal justice system. Virtually every official action that prosecutors take is done in open court so that any member of the public or the media can see. Prosecutors are heavily scrutinized by courts, the media, the Virginia State Bar and defense attorneys. The penalties prosecutors would pay for misconduct range from dismissal of their case, loss of their law license and even imprisonment.”

The

outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits. The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals (i.e., future friends) willing to make similar commitments.

„ Utilize social media. In years past, men and

“Under the law, Commonwealth’s Attorneys have many responsibilities in addition to seeking the truth and pursuing justice. Commonwealth’s Attorneys work on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the law, they must protect the constitutional and legal rights of both those accused of committing crimes as well as victims of crime.

“That can mean charging someone for a crime, dropping a case or reducing the charges in a case, for example. Pleasing everyone is an impossible task, so they are charged with doing the right thing, even when that’s an unpopular thing to do.

“The truth: Commonwealth’s Attorneys are more accountable than any other actor in the

I have not read or heard any professional misconduct reports on our current Commonwealth’s Attorney. In fact I hear from many lawyers he is very efficient in his job. The petty behavior over this race is unbecoming in this community and further serves to divide instead of unite. Unfortunately wind of this has gone beyond our borders and reflects poorly on our name as a county. We are better than this. I know if an unfortunate criminal situation happens to me or my family on Nov. 15, I want a seasoned criminal prosecutor to be by my side. I support Mike Caudill in this race. John Lumpkins is a fine supervisor. This just is not the job for him.

Debra Arnold Manakin Sabot

Va. 23116 Fax: (804) 344-8746 e-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com

Please see MYSTERY, Page 7 Please

Goochland among those restarting 100-year-old tradition

COMMUNITY REPORT

After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations in the world has once again chosen Richmond to host its global three-day event, the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention.

Since 1923, summers in Richmond were marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition when the Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in

Mystery

From 6

to England, possibly lost at sea during the voyage. Or maybe Spanish settlers or Native Americans had attacked the English settlement and murdered the group.

The latest installment of the mystery began when scientists found strange markings on a map made by John White, who headed

more than 500 languages.

The Christian organization restarted their 100-year-old tradition of in-person gatherings in Richmond on June 2, 2023, with the first of 13 conventions that will be held Friday through Sunday throughout the summer. Thousands from Goochland County and throughout Virginia are expected to attend the convention series at the Richmond Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Being able to meet online was very important. It allowed us to continue doing something we love to do, attend our conventions,” said Fred Gaskins, spokesman for Jeho-

up the Roanoke mission. He had returned home to gather supplies for the settlement, but was delayed in his return for two years. When he reached Roanoke Island, the settlement had disappeared.

The markings led scientists to head inward to Bertie County where they began to dig for artifacts and discovered several pieces of pottery whose origin was believed to be English and from the same period of time.

After an excavation of

vah’s Witnesses. “Being in person, however, allows us to greet and hug one another, something that cannot be duplicated any other way. Getting back to our large gatherings allows us to enjoy a special bond with our God, Jehovah, and share that with the public.”

Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention series. In the United States alone, more than 700 conventions will be held in 144 host cities. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modernday relevance through Scriptural

that site and another located nearby, that group of scientists and historians believe they have solved the mystery.

But other experts believe the shards of pottery found could have come from a variety of sources, and cannot find reasonable explanations why the colonists would travel to an area inland that had been identified as dangerous territory.

So, even with the latest technology and the exper-

examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session, and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.

“Patience is important to us since there is so much going on in the world today that requires it,” said Gaskins. “Patience is something none of us have mastered, but we are taught how to put this quality into practice. This convention theme helps us to see how and why we can develop the patience we need during these trying times.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been

tise of dozens of experts who have spent lifetimes studying the colony, the mystery remains.

holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world since the lifting of pandemic restrictions. The convention is open to the public, and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org.

—Submitted by William Jackson Davis, Jr.

And as another group of excited tourists heads south for fun in the sun, The Lost Colony opens another sea-

son near Manteo, and a new group of enthusiasts will sit and hear that silence as the play ends…and wonder.

women over 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections. Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people. A local runner’s club may have its own social media accounts, and local governments and

community groups often share information about sports leagues and other groups via social media.

„ Sign up for group outings. Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

„ Broaden your horizons. Just because you’re

in your 50s doesn’t mean your friends have to be. Don’t hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages, so you could be missing out if you’re not willing to extend a hand in friendship to people of different ages and backgrounds. Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women over 50 connect with new people.

—MetroCreative

Bernstine, Peskin end high school careers as state champs

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

In an appropriately storybook fashion, the high school tennis careers of Evan Bernstine and Alex Peskin ended in glory.

The two Goochland seniors went to Virginia Tech’s BurrowsBurleson Tennis Center one last time to compete in the Class 3 state tournament, where Bernstine achieved perfection with his third consecutive singles state title and worked alongside Peskin to win the doubles title.

Bernstine’s singles record in high school ends at a perfect 49-0, with his last victim being Christiansburg’s Lucas Beasley in the singles finals. Beasley won two games off of Bernstine in the first set, but the game was largely in Bernstine’s control throughout, as he swept the second set to win his third state crown 6-2, 6-0.

In the singles semifinals, Ber-

nstine was just as efficient, controlling the match against Wilson Memorial’s Conner Miller with sets of 6-0, 6-1.

In the doubles tournament, Peskin and Bernstine had their work cut out for them, first taking on Monticello duo Luca Bonfigli and Jonathan Belmares. It was a well-acquainted matchup, with the pairings facing off against each other twice this season already. Last year, Bernstine also faced Bonfigli in the state final, which he won in a 6-4, 6-2 finish. The familiar matchup proved an exciting one, with both teams exhibiting familiarity with each other’s styles and trading games back and forth as a result.

Bernstine and Peskin pulled out a close 7-5 win in the first set, just holding off a talented Monticello pairing, but while Bonfigli and Belmares earned a few wins in the second set, Bernstine and Peskin

took over, closing out the set 6-3 to advance to the finals for the first time together.

Against Christiansburg players Lucas Beasley and Ian Rasor, it was a similarly competitive opening set. The Goochland duo again needed an additional seventh win to take the first set, battling down to the wire and pulling off a second 7-5 victory in two days. Much like in the semifinals, the Bulldogs simply got better as the game wore on, giving up just one game and controlling the rest of the match to take a 6-1 set and the doubles championship.

Both Bernstine and Peskin said before the tournament that this would be their last run of competitive tennis for the foreseeable future. Now entering the summer as 2023 state champions, they can enjoy one last view from the mountaintop before heading off to college next fall.

Goochland grad Potts wins Most Outstanding Player after College Baseball Championship

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Goochland High School graduate Zack Potts etched himself into college baseball history last week, earning Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA Division III Baseball National Championship Series.

Potts and the Lynchburg Hornets defeated the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays 7-6 to win the best-of-three finals that took place June 1-8 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The title is the first national championship for the Lynchburg baseball program.

Potts, a starting pitcher and ace of the Lynchburg staff, earned the MOP award by winning both of his starts in the Championship Series, including a complete game. In game

one of the finals, he limited the nation’s highest scoring offense to just two unearned runs. In his 16 innings over two appearances, Potts had a miniscule 0.56 earned run average.

The MOP Award caps off a historic season and Hornets career for Potts. In his three full seasons at Lynchburg after Covid eliminated his freshman campaign, Potts amassed several school and Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) records.

Potts was undefeated this season on the mound, finishing 13-0. This total is a new record for the program, as well as for the ODAC. As a true ace and workhorse of the Lynchburg staff, Potts set a school record with 120 2/3 innings pitched for

the season, surpassing the previous record by 22 full innings. His 29 total wins surpassed the previous school mark of 24 as well. This total also ties him for the ODAC career wins record though at 29-4, his .879 winning percentage is a new ODAC Record.

In addition to the MOP award, Potts was named to the National Championship Series All-Tournament team. He was also named to the All-America Team by the American Baseball Coaches Association. On top of all those accolades, Potts was also named to the All-Region Team and the All-ODAC team. Zack will now move on to attend and play for William & Mary as a graduate student this fall.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Goochland seniors alex Peskin (left) and evan Bernstine (right) concluded their high school tennis careers as Class 3 state champions, with Bernstine winning his third singles title and the duo winning their first doubles title together at Virginia Tech.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Goochland grad Zack Potts made history with the Lynchburg Hornets, helping guide the team to their first national championship with a 2-0 series win over Johns Hopkins university in the nCaa division III Baseball national Championship series.

Bulldogs soccer season ends in state quarterfinals loss

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

After an explosive season that proved doubters wrong and put district rivals on notice, the miraculous Goochland Bulldogs soccer season finally reached the end of the road.

It took losses to eventual Class 3 state champion Meridian and semifinalist Tabb High School to get to the end of the line, but down to their final minutes, the Bulldogs never showed a loss of will.

After running through the region tournament with close wins over William Monroe and Manassas Park, the Bulldogs ultimately settled for the regional runnerup trophy after an 8-0 loss to Meridian, but they still earned their ticket to the state tournament either way.

Their next challenger was the Tabb Tigers, the 3A champions, who met the Bulldogs at York High School for a battle in the quarterfinals. Tabb proved

too much to handle, jumping out to a 4-0 lead by halftime.

Goochland was able to get a few clean looks at the net, including two long-range shots from Conner Doersch that zipped wide of the net, but Tabb took advantage of the runs they created down the middle of the field, with senior forward Frederick Robertson recording a hat trick by halftime.

The Bulldogs defense fared a little better in the second half, allowing two goals in their net in the 40-minute period, but the game was largely in the hands of the Tigers, who proved too fast on offense and too disciplined on defense to keep up with.

It was an emotional end to the season for Goochland’s seven seniors, who ended their time with the Bulldogs by reaching new heights and carving out a path for next year’s senior leaders to follow.

Days after their season came to an end, the Bulldogs

received respect out of the All-Region teams, which featured five Bulldogs.

Seniors Jack Corral, Conner Doersch and Drew Meiller were all featured as first team All-Region honorees, helping elevate the Bulldogs attack into a formidable threat all season long. The second team saw juniors Duncan Pillion and Landon Schroder featured, with Pillion establishing himself as one of the team’s top defenders while Schroder pitched in as a presence in the midfield.

Looking ahead to next season, the Bulldogs will again be an experienced group, now featuring state tournament experience against championship-caliber programs. The Bulldogs will have eight seniors and a handful of underclassmen tasked with stepping up into larger roles come next spring.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Goochland senior Jack Corral chases down Tabb forward Frederick Robertson in the first half of the VHsL Class 3 state Quarterfinals held at york High school on June 6.

LEGAL DISPLAYADS LEGAL DISPLAYADS LEGAL DISPLAYADS LEGAL DISPLAYADS LEGAL DISPLAYADS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE GOOCHLAND COUNTY,VIRGINIA

Pursuant to the terms of those certain Decrees of Sale entered in the Circuit Court of Goochland County,the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer for sale at asimulcast (with online and in person bidding) public auction the following described real estate at the Board of Super visors Meeting Room in the Goochland County Administration Building, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Rd., Goochland, Virginia, 23063 (intersection of Routes 6and 522) on June 27, 2023 at 11:00am.

The sale of such property is subject to the terms and conditions below, and anyterm or conditions which may be subsequently posted or announced by ForSale At Auction (“Auctioneer”) and Taxing Authority Consulting Ser vices, PC (“TACS”), Subsequent announcements take precedence over anyprior written or verbal terms of sale.

GENERAL TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Circuit Court. The Special Commissioner of Sale has the right to reject anybids determined to be unreasonable in relation to the estimated value of the Property.Any unsold property will be offered for sale again at the next auction, whenever thatmay be.

Properties are conveyed by Special Warranty Deed, subject to anyeasements, covenants, agreements, restrictions, reser vations, and anyand all rights of record which may affect the property.Properties are offered for sale as-is, where-is, and if-is, with all faults and without anywarranty,either expressed or implied. Persons are encouraged to make avisual inspection of the property within the limits of the lawand to obtain an independent title search, at their ownexpense, prior to bidding on anyofthe properties to determine the suitableness of the property for their purposes. It is not guaranteed thatthe property has aright-of-way or thatitisnot landlocked. Property is sold in gross and not by the acre. There is no warranty as to the accuracyofthe GIS system, nor is the information contained therein alegal representation of anyofthe features of the property which it depicts. We do not provide, and do not assist with obtaining title insurance or title to personal property

The sale of property to the highest bidder is not contingent upon obtaining financing. Financing, if needed, is the sole responsibility of the high bidder.Bybidding, parties are entering into alegally binding contract, waive all rescission rights, and understand thattheir bid is immediately binding, irrevocable, and enforceable. Additionally,bybidding, parties are representing thatthey have read, and agree to be bound by,all terms and conditions for this sale. Failure to complete the property purchase will result in forfeiture of anyfunds paid and may subject the highest bidder to additional damages, which may include expenses and anydeficit upon resale.

PAYMENT TERMS: The highest bidder shall make adeposit in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) or One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), whichever is higher, along with a10% buyer’spremium, subject to aminimum of $150, added to the final bid. Bids which are less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) shall be paid in full at the time of the auction. Deposits shall not exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) per parcel. Such sum shall be held by the Special Commissioner and credited towards the purchase price following confirmation of the sale. Subsequent taxes will be prorated from the auction date, and the highest bidder will be responsible for taxes from thatdateforward. The balance of the purchase price and recording costs for deed recordation shall be deposited by the highest bidder with the Special Commissioner within fifteen (15) days of confirmation of the sale by the Court.

Terms applicable to In-Person Bidders ONLY: The deposit and buyer’spremium are due on the day of the auction. All payments must be made in the form of personal check, cashier’scheck or money order No cash will be accepted.

Terms applicable to Online Bidders ONLY: All interested parties must register and be approved by the Auctioneer.Registration and bidding are free of charge and are done through the Auctioneer’s website www.forsaleatauction.biz. If anyinterested bidders are unable to attend for in-person bidding and wish to bid on property,but do not have access to the internet, please contact ForSale At Auction, at (540) 899-1776 for assistance.

The highest bidder will receive their purchase contract and balance due via email following the close of the auction. The contract shall immediately be executed and returned to TACS. The deposit and buyer’spremium must be received in full no later than July 5, 2023. All payments must be made in the form of certified funds, cashier’scheck, money order or wire transfer.Cash and personal checks will not be accepted. Checks and money orders shall be made payable to Goochland County and forwarded to TACS, at the address shown below. Wire transfer instructions will be provided to the highest bidder upon request.

GENERAL TERMS: To qualify as apurchaser at this auction, you may not owedelinquent taxes to Goochland County and you may not be aDefendant in anypending delinquent tax matter.Questions concerning the registration and bidding process should be directed to the Auctioneer online at www.forsaleatauction.biz, by email to inquir y@forsaleatauction.biz or by phone to (540) 899-1776. Questions concerning the property subject to sale should be directed to TACS online at www.taxva.com, by email to taxsales@taxva.com, by phone to (804) 548-4418, or by writing to the address below.

Taxing Authority Consulting Ser vices, PC Attn: TaxSales P.O. Box 31800 Henrico, Virginia 23294-1800

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ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, pay attention to the smaller details, as those are the ones most often ignored. You’ll be highly regarded if you pinpoint any errors in a timely manner.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Work to the best of your ability, Taurus. Focus on your own work and serve as a source of encouragement to those around you who may be experiencing some difficulties.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

A loved one may be hinting at a few things he or she wants to do with you, Gemini. Find the time to make these things happen. Let loose and have fun.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

It could be tempting to hole up in a bookstore or a coffee shop for hours in the days ahead, Cancer. However, avoiding certain issues is not the way to go. Confront them head on.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, if you are going to leap, do so with both eyes open; otherwise, you may miss some of the dangers along the way. Always take the bigger picture into consideration.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, accept that you may be different from most of the people with whom you associate, and that is perfectly fine. What makes you unique is what others like about you.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, explore all possibilities at work rather than pigeonholing yourself into one role. How will you know what things are like if you don’t try stuff out?

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

You may need to roll with the punches this week, Scorpio. Things are coming at you at a record pace and it could take a lot of effort to keep up. Learn and adapt as you go.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, even though you have been faced with a number of challenges lately, you have managed to come through with your head held high. Keep up the progress.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

There’s not much that will bother you this week, Capricorn. It seems you have all of your ducks in a row. Enjoy this good fortune while it lasts.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Remarkable opportunities are coming your way, Aquarius. All you need to do is sit back and wait for them to start. There is no need to do much legwork in this situation.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Big changes can sometimes be scary, Pisces. But change is just what you need to do right now to spice things up.

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